Over the past few weeks in bits and pieces at a time I've been working on this list of free agents that the Jets should CONSIDER... I also rated each on how likely he is to become available. Take a look through. Comments, praises, possible additions/deletions and/or criticism would be appreciated... KEY 1- Good chance to be available 2- Possible to be available (Very debatable/questionable) 3- Good chance to be resigned Green text- Personal choice as a free agent also based on reality of signing, age, potential fit and price. (Not a list of who we should sign in a mock off-season). Quarterbacks (If Pennington is not on the team) - Rex Grossman, Chicago (2): Has been erratic throughout his career, but has big game experience and could benefit from a role with less pressure. - Daunte Culpepper, Oakland (2): Don’t forget how effective he was just a few years ago. A very solid QB still… - Josh McCown, Oakland (1): Also erratic, but is athletic and a great game manager when the rest of the team performs. - Billy Volek, San Diego (2): Solid backup has played very well when called on - Shaun Hill, San Francisco (2): Has been around for a while and played well in San Fran this season. - Chris Redman, Atlanta (2): Came on well for a terrible Atlanta team. Would benefit from better surrounding play… Wide Receivers - Bernard Berrian, Chicago (3): Should be resigned. If not, would be a terrific acquisition and can stretch the field. - Andre Davis, Houston (2): Big play threat had a big year in Houston. - Jerry Porter, Oakland (2): Could benefit from a change of scenery. Has great size and physicality. - Devery Henderson, New Orleans (2): A true burner, but his questionable hands would make him a risk. If he catches this ball, this guy would be a MAJOR addition. Shouldn’t warrant a large contract as a result. - Bryant Johnson, Arizona (1): Will likely find another team to be a #1 or #2 guy, but certainly would make a great addition to the offense. He’d rather find a starting opportunity elsewhere. - Ernest Wilford, Jacksonville (1): A redzone terror with great size will likely be available due to the depth, but not quality, of WRs Jacksonville has. - Samie Parker, Kansas City (2): Burner that can stretch the field, but might be resigned due to WR problems in KC. - DJ Hackett, Seattle (2): Is underrated and performed well in a deep Seattle receiving core. - Jabar Gaffney, New England (1): Possession guy has good hands and is buried in New England. - Justin Gage, Tennessee (1): Has good size and jumping ability and should be available. Tight Ends - Eric Johnson, New Orleans (2): Injury prone, ex-pro bowler would form a nice duo with Chris Baker. - Ben Hartstock, Tennessee (2): Blocking TE could become available after the season ends with emergence of Bo Scafie. - Ben Troupe, Tennessee (1): Former starter lost his job to Scafie and could look elsewhere for work. Great overall player. - Jeremy Stevens, Tampa Bay (1): Good abilities, but has had problems wherever he went. Solid player. Offensive Tackles - Jordan Gross, Carolina (3): Young, former top 10 pick has been a very good starter for Carolina should be resigned, but would be a top 5 free agent and would warrant a large contract. - Sean Locklear, Seattle (2): Good starter on a solid line and young. You would think he’d be resigned, but there are some good players behind him. Money an issue? - Travelle Wharton, Carolina (2): The other Carolina OT, on the left side, that becomes a free agent. Good player might escape if Gross is resigned or vice versa. - Maurice Williams, Jacksonville (1): On a great offensive line… There is great depth in Jacksonville though so he might be let go. (Barnes-Manuwai-Meester-Naeole-Pashos)… Where does Williams go? Versatile and played OG this year in addition to a long career at RT. Only 29 despite playing since 2001. Sleeper. - Kwame Harris, San Francisco (1): Former first round pick hasn’t been awful, but deserves another chance. Not the ideal RT to sign, but an OK backup plan. - Stacy Andrews, Cincinnati (1): Also a Guard. Versatile with great size. Would be an asset as a run-blocker. Offensive Guards - Alan Faneca, Pittsburgh (1): It has been widely stated that Faneca wants out of Pittsburgh. The team that might steal him is Arizona with all of the Pittsburgh influence. Would immediately help this line. - Ryan Lilja, Indianapolis (1 only if Scott is resigned ): The Colts don’t normally resign their own unless their huge stars. They have guys that could step in for Lilja and I expect either him or Jake Scott to enter free agency. Bad fit though? - Jacob Bell, Tennessee (2): With second year guy Leroy Harris and vet Eugene Amano around, he might not make it back. Would be a great option and is young. - Jake Scott, Indianapolis (1 only if Lilja is resigned): Either him or Lilja will be available in free agency. He might be a questionable fit though. If not, him or Lilja would be great options. - Rex Hadnot, Miami (3): Has been a solid player and a not-so-solid line. He’d probably look even better with better players. He’s their anchor and should be resigned though. - Floyd Womack, Seattle (1): Injury prone mauler might be a good option as a run-blocker. Has been a reserve in Seattle though. - Justin Smiley, San Francisco (2): Has been a good starter, but they have plenty of other guys that could play in his spot. Has a solid chance to leave. - Eugene Amano, Tennessee (2): This is a sleeper pick and might be a depth guy or flourish as a starter. If Jacob Bell resigns, he likely won’t or maybe vice versa. A BIT MORE COMING....
Defensive Ends - Darrion Scott, Minnesota (1): Has the size of a 3-4 DE and has been a part of that outstanding Vikings run defense for a couple years now. Placed on IR early in the year…. Maybe a depth guy. - Corey Williams, Green Bay (1): Has size and pass-rush ability and might become a free agent since Ryan Pickett and 1st round pick Justin Harrell along with DE/DT Cullen Jenkins are around. Potential excellent fit and young. - Tommy Kelly, Oakland (1): Probably a great fit as a 3-4 DE. Ended season on IR and has a good chance to hit the market, but he’s a good one. - Randy Starks, Tennessee (1): Just OK as a 4-3 DT, but maybe he would fit better as a 3-4 DE? Might more of a depth guy though, which we have enough of. Nose Tackles - Albert Haynesworth, Tennessee (3): To start, he should at least get the franchise tag. He’s dominant, but he’s got a hot temper that’s gotten him into some trouble a few times. I’d pay him though. He has shown how dominant he can be. - Isaac Sopoaga, San Francisco (2): With Aubrayo Franklin around, he might test the market. Has the size and strength and is certainly worth a shot, IMO. - Ethan Kelly, Cleveland (3): Former Pat and Brown played well last season and might get a contract extension at season’s end. He earned it. If he slipped out, he should be right on the Jets FO’s radar. - Ted Washington, Cleveland (1): If he can still move and would accept a contract near the veteran minimum, he’s worth a shot at the rotation. It’s tough to move a 360 Ib. NT no matter how old he is… Talk about a blocker and space eater…. Outside Linebackers - Karlos Dansby, Arizona (3): A big-time player on the Cards’ defense that has speed and creates pressure. He played a 4-3, but IMO he has the skills to attempt a 3-4 scheme stint. Young and a great player (One of my favorites), but the Cardinals would be making a mistake if they let him go. - Terrell Suggs, Baltimore (3): This would be a dream if he got loose and Jets won the potential major bidding war. He was best as a 3-4 OLB and is a dominant one in a tier near DeMarcus Ware and Shawne Merriman. Likely gets the Tag or a lucrative contract. - Clark Haggans, Pittsburgh (1): Should hit the market with the draft picks of Lawrence Timmons and LaMarr Woodley last season in the 1st and 2nd round. Has experience in the 3-4 for many years. A true, proven 3-4 OLB unlike Hobson. He’s not Merriman though. Had a down year and age might be working heavily against him. Risky signing and not my choice. - Reggie Torbor, New York Giants (1): A pass-rusher that has never been a great starter even though Giants LBs haven’t been great in the past few years. Worth a shot as the same position David Bowens was to hold, but didn’t do so very well… - Jared Allen, Kansas City (3): Dominant 4-3 DE with DUIs and Pro Bowls. Not likely to hit the market by a longshot though. If he does, he warrants consideration. - Bobby McCray, Jacksonville (1): Pass-rushing specialist in Jacksonville could make a good fit as a 3-4 OLB. - Antwan Odom, Tennessee (3): Good pass-rusher for the Titans should be brought back. He could make a good 3-4 OLB. - Travis LaBoy, Tennessee (1): Depth guy also a candidate to convert to an OLB in this scheme. He’s not the impact pass-rusher we’re looking for though. Cornerbacks - Asante Samuel, New England (2): My gut feeling: With Brandon Meriweather, Ellis Hobbs, Willie Andrews and Randal Gay (If he resigns) around, the Pats won’t break the bank for him as they have prepared for his departure already. If he hits the market, the Jets will be in the running with their NE backgrounds to bring him in. He’ll demand Nate Clements type of money though. Not worth it IMO. - Nmandi Asomugha, Oakland (3): The best player on Oakland… No way this physical, ball-hawking CB gets loose. Right Al Davis?... - Marcus Trufant, Seattle (3): Also unlikely to leave Seattle. He’s a near top 5 CB in the league and he’ll get payed so by Seattle. - Jacques Reeves, Dallas (2): Played solidly in Dallas and is in the prime time of his career… Certainly worth a shot. - Drayton Florence, San Diego (1): With Jammer and Cromartie playing well and Eric Weddle around, he could very well hit the open market. Another solid guy with youth and ability. - Randall Gay, New England (1): Here’s another guy with ties to Mangini that will get a look. If Samuel hits the market though, you can bet that Gay will be back in New England. Safeties - Ken Hamlin, Dallas (3): Big hitting Pro Bowler is almost a lock to return. - Madieu Williams, Cincinnati (2): Solid young player should return, but if not he warrants consideration. He’s been a solid player on a lousy defense for a few years. - Eugene Wilson, New England (1): With Sanders, Harrison and Meriweather around, he could very well hit the market and he has ties here. Drafted and played as a CB as well. His status depends on Samuel’s and Gay’s though. Great signing if he makes it. Thanks for reading... Now let me hear what you think.
Very Nice Job: QB's - I assume you believe we are not bringing back Chad. Chad definitely, and probably Tui for that matter, are better than any of the free agent QB's out there. If Chad can garnish us a pick let him go. Dont be surpised if the kid fromn Utah that is on the practice squad is our 3rd QB next year..... If Chad goes we also MUST absoloutely MUST bring in a QB coach. Let Schotty run the offense and have someone dedicate there time to tutoring Kellen. WR's - I've been looking at Devrey Henderson. Admittedly a hands issue, but a solid #3 or #4 WR that provides a verticle threat. Besides the issue with his hands he is not the greatest route runner, which makes him very one dimensional. Gaffney is the possession WR needed. He runs good routes, has good hands and heritage says he needs to be a Jets. Plus #81 is assured to be available next year... Offensive Line - I've been on the Stacy Andrews and Starks (Pitt) bandwagon so far this off -season. They both offer good versatility, being able to play Guard and Tackle, and they both have a mean streak in them that our OL desparately needs. Maurice Williams falls into these categories as well and I would be happy with any 2 of the 3. 2 of these three fall as the #2 and #3 free agents on my wish list Defensive Line - Haynesworth is most likely staying in Tennesse. He is #4 on my wish list. Tommy Kelly and Sopoaga I beleive will get some interest. LB's - #1 on my wish list is Karlos Dansby. A beast. 6' 4" 250lbs, that runs very well side line to side line, shed blocks extremely well and makes all the tackles. He has ideal size for a 3-4 ILB. I assume Vilma's iunjury is going to prevent us from trading him. Having Dansby on the inside would allow Vilma to not rush back to where he is playing 50+ plays on defense. Imagine Vilma as your depth at ILB where he plays 20-25 plays, where he can recover and then hit the open market next year. If he would accept that role it is a win / win situation....at least for one year. DB's - I don't think anyone opens up the wallet to give Samuel, the $ that Clements received from SF. SF tremedously over-paid for him. I can't see anyone making that mistake...again. I think we have a good shot at him. It also appears that Gay is staying in NE. No other DB's really excites me.
Randy Moss isn't likely to be available. I'd see them cutting Stallworth loose before Moss. I think he has a bigger payday coming if they choose to retain him over Moss. And if they are cutting one or the other I wouldn't expect Gaffney to be available.
I think he was talking about #81 being available on the Jets since most everyone assumes McCarreins is going bye-bye.
Maybe, except I took the original post as FA available to us. I didn't see him listing ours on the list at all.
Actually, I think I misread what he wrote...lol. I saw the #81 is going to be available and got a little too happy that it's not going to be much longer that we see OUR #81 on the team
We need to go after the Olineman this free agency. I think it is crucial. Stacey Andrews and Alan Faneca should be at the top of the Jets wish list.
A few things I agree/disagree with: Randy Starks was pretty good for a while in the 4-3, but really fell to crap this year. I still like his age, size, strength, experience in a 3-4 (even if it was college), and honestly you can never have enough depth. Haynesworth would probably do what Seymour did for the Pats early on. He took alot of snaps at DE, but also play some NT because they didn't have a really kickass young guy yet. I'd rather see Haynesworth as an end though. I have no interest in Ted Washington. I like Florence too. I think Mangini can definitely do something with him. I also like Torbor for a 3-4. BUT with this draft and Bowens on the roster...I'm not so sure we'll go after him. I like McCray, but I'm not sure he can play OLB in the 3-4. I really like the OL FAs...hopefully the young guys hit the market. Karlos Dansby played in the 3-4 this season. He could play inside or outside.
I was going for a old time (actually only 20 years old) Jets reference here. Derrick Gaffney (his father) played for the Jets in the '80's. He wore # 81 with the Jets. McCarins is assuredly gone, which open #81 for Jabar Gaffney - his son - to wear on the Jets....
Haha.. yeah. I think this is the year we lose ol' Justin. The Training Camp King. :lol: I just want to head off the plethora of Randy Moss threads before it gets ridiculous. hmy:
Ahhh, I see... Gaffney had a couple of good games. He has some potential, and if that is true I doubt we'll get to see him in #81. Good reference though.
I got the reference. Todd's INT at the end of the Buffalo Wild Card game in 1981 was intended for Derrick Gaffney. We need another good WR, that's for sure. Dust off Keyshawn if we don't get anyone else, #19 is also available.
.....and lastly the Jets should really go get Mickey Schulers kid at Penn State. Posciak would then give up #82 and all would be once again headed in the right direction....
What I really, really hope is that they have been working on this since the bye week, know EXACTLY who they want and how much they're prepared to spend and then go out and MAKE THINGS HAPPEN early in FA. They SURELY must know that the best way to get a sceptical support on-side is to make a big splash and make it in the first couple of days of free agency? ENOUGH of the nonsense about taking our time and not getting into auctions - GO and GET the guys you want and don't let them leave until they sign.
Is Shuler's kid at Penn State? Cool. I've been hearing a lot about Howie Long's kid, maybe we should draft him, we need D line. Never saw him play, though.
His kid is like 6'4" 230lbs....Pretty sure he is only a Junior. Wears #82 at PSU. I'm sure PF4 can give you some insight, she is a Nittany Lion die hard... Someone or some sports show did a little report on him and his Dad this year, which I saw. They walked off the field together after a game. Mickey looked good...Man was he ever underrated as a TE.
Great list PA excellent research and all. My wish list provided they are FA's and it is doable contract wise: 1.) Gross 2.) LG- no name really jumps out but any-Bell,Smiley, lilja would be great. As long as this FO fixes the talent gap on the O-line I could care less who else they sign. If they screw up fixing the O-Line I think it will end up being the demise of this staff.
